How to treat nonspecific costochondritis

Nonspecific costochondritis is usually a self-limiting disease, but if the symptoms significantly affect your life, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to clarify the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

This disease often presents as pain near the breastbone, especially when the ribs and the breastbone are compressed. It is not caused by infection and does not lead to serious consequences, but the pain may last for weeks or even months and worsens with hard breathing, exercise or coughing, which often makes people mistaken for heart problems.

Methods to relieve symptoms include local cold or hot compresses. Choose the method that suits you according to the specific feeling when the pain occurs. Mild pain can be relieved by over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, but you must follow the doctor's advice to avoid long-term use. Reducing large-scale chest movements or avoiding lifting heavy objects can reduce local burden and assist recovery. If the pain is severe and new, local block injections may also be recommended by the doctor.

In daily life, you can focus on improving your posture, such as avoiding long hours at a desk and increasing back strength training to reduce chest pressure. At the same time, quitting smoking and reducing overly stimulating activities can also help manage symptoms. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out other possible causes and get further treatment.